Chiang Mai Monk’s Trail

Table of Contents

Introduction

Photography

Directions

Map

Detailed Guide

Wrapping Up

FAQ

Introduction

For those who just want the visual guide, go straight to the map.

Stepping out of the humid bustle of urban life often requires a bit of effort. If you enjoy discovering secret paths, the Chiang Mai Monk’s Trail is a perfect escape. This historic route winds through lush forest greenery and offers a peaceful break from the city noise. While my blog usually focuses on hidden Bangkok, this northern gem felt too special to ignore on a recent visit.

The trail follows an ancient path used by local monks for centuries. It begins near the end of Suthep Road and climbs gently toward the mountainside. You will find orange ribbons tied to trees to guide your way. These markers signify the sacred nature of the surrounding woods. Eventually, the path leads you to Wat Pha Lat, a stunning temple hidden among the trees.

The atmosphere here feels completely different from the crowded tourist spots. You can hear the sound of waterfalls and distant chanting as you walk. It serves as a reminder that the best experiences often hide just out of sight. Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a spiritual journey through the canopy.

Photography

If you’re curious about creating a silky smooth appearance in the water of a stream in a photograph, I recommend checking out my Simple Guide to Long Exposure Photography on an iPhone post. For more of my lens wanderings and photographic compositions, visit my complete portfolio.

Directions

To reach the starting point, take a taxi toward the end of Suthep Road to the spot marked “Wat Pha Lat Hike” on Google Maps. You must pay a 100 Baht entry fee at the roadside checkpoint before walking a short distance further to find the forest trailhead. The well-defined path rises gently for 3 km, taking roughly an hour to reach the temple grounds through the shaded jungle.

After exploring the retreat, head to the temple access road to find waiting songthaews for your return trip. These red trucks offer a convenient ride back to the Old Town for a flat fee or a shared rate.

You will find further information on the Chiang Mai Monk’s Trail in my Detailed Guide.

Map

The following map shows the entire route, with highlights and reference points to help you stay on track.

To view the map legend or follow the route in Google Maps, tap these icons in the map header.

Detailed Guide

For comprehensive directions and additional information, click ‘Detailed Guide’ below.

Wrapping Up

The Chiang Mai Monk’s Trail offers a refreshing change of pace from my usual Bangkok street walks. This gentle jungle climb rewards every step with natural beauty and spiritual calm. It remains one of the most accessible ways to experience the quiet side of Thailand. Whether you seek exercise or a moment of reflection, this path will not disappoint you.

As always, if you find any errors in this post, I would be very grateful if you would reach out to me. You can drop a comment below, use the contact form, or email me at derek@lens-wanderings.com.

Best wishes
Derek

FAQ